News Archive 2003

My story began in March 2002 when I was introduced to my MASK for the first time. I had just been told that I had a very loud snore and stopped breathing many times each hour while I slept. I was stunned. This was the culmination of many tests during a testing time of several months; all these came up with clear results. I was beginning to conclude that I was developing into a hypochondriac, drained of all energy and enthusiasm.

Immediately after this encounter I met “MY MASK" I have no clear memory of the C.P.A.P. machine or any explanation thereof, either before or after this introduction. What I do remember very clearly is the claustrophobic terror as I tore the thing from my face in panic. Eventually, the straps were adjusted and I was dispatched home with the monster, called a Mirage mask, machine and what seemed a mile of hose all packed into a very tidy bag. All this with a kindly, "Ring me anytime" and a bundle of literature to read.

Thus begun my Obstructive Sleep Apnoea study from scratch. I had never even heard of the condition and here I found myself with a life threatening illness and only one way out. FRIENDS WITH THE MASK and sleep with it for the rest of my living days.

I began by reading the supplied literature, most of which could have been written in Double Dutch, for all I understood of it. However, the alternatives to success are rather grim: untreated O.S.A. increases the risk of such fatal illnesses as heart attack, diabetes and more terrifying, a stroke, as well as diminished metabolism and immune system plus a list of other undesirables.

With this in mind I began my befriending process. And believe me – it was a long and difficult process, for me who likes to have all the windows and curtains wide open, After years of wanting to explore the Jenolan Caves, I could not even enter the first arch and had to endure an hour of humiliating waiting until the family emerged delighted with the beauty they found hidden underground.

Each afternoon I seated myself, mask and machine in place, telling myself I was seated comfortably, listening to a relaxation tape, or soothing music or sometimes just breathing. Then came the real thing ... sleeping with the enemy. Sometimes I began by sleeping with the mask in place; that merely made me more alert, sometimes I slept first then used the mask when I woke sleeping with it in place or hand held. At this time I became aware that I was in danger of developing a "bed phobia" as I found all kinds of inane reasons to avoid the moment. It was also, at this time that the prayer of my Novitiate surfaced and I said it with more feeling than then. 'My God I go to bed not knowing if I may rise again’...Gradually, slowly my mask and I became friends, very good friends.

My message to all new users of C.P.A.P. machines with masks... stay with it eventually all the effort pays dividends in better health and enjoyable living. What I found most helpful is talking with other people with similar experiences. The man I most envy is the one who said, four nights and he was Jake.

Find a Support Group or talk with a fellow journeyer.

Barbara